Garver Path
2023 Engineering Excellence State Finalist
Entering Firm: KL Engineering Inc.
Client: City of Madison
The city of Madison made expanding its multi-modal trail network a priority. The city was motivated to create a connector trail to link residential neighborhoods to the popular Capital City Trail. A low-lying area on the city’s east side was unconnected and any trail designs for the area would have to account for weak soils and major environmental impacts.
KL Engineering stepped up to the challenge. A thoughtful plan laid out the actions needed to meet client goals and preserve the environment. In addition to the floodplain, there were also hazardous materials in the soil from previous industrial use. The design team carefully avoided disturbing the underlying soils during construction. Steepened side slopes protect the path itself from possible flooding in the low-lying area.
Safety is essential for those walking, running, and biking on the trail. The design team turned a local road into a one way with extended curb bump outs to slow traffic and increase pedestrian safety. The trail itself winds through the area and nearby neighborhood to improve accessibility with multiple access points.
The new Garver Path is an amazing addition to Madison’s trail network – it connects a previously unconnected area and allows more people access to beautiful trails, trees and entertainment.